Page 32

REN

S tanding in the doorway of Aurora’s room, I bid Rapunzel goodnight.

Before she closes the door, she turns back to me. “Where will you sleep?”

“I’ll be in the living area, on the sofa.” I glance at the bed, wishing that I could hold her again. I will miss the feel of her tucked against me as I rest.

Glancing over her shoulder, I notice Finik is already curled up on one of the pillows with his fluffy tail wrapped tight around his body. “I’ll wake the two of you in the morning.”

Stretching up on her toes, she wraps her arms around me in a hug. “Goodnight, Ren.”

Longing fills me as I embrace her in return, thinking of our kiss in the gardens. I want to know if it meant as much to her as it did to me… if she’s changed her mind and decided that she wants me, despite all the uncertainty of her past.

All these questions burn in my mind. I want more than anything to pull her close and never let her go. So when she finally lowers her arms and steps back, I resist the urge to reach for her again and instead whisper, “I’ll see you in the morning.”

Unable to sleep, I walk out into the gardens. The night air is crisp. The smell of wildflowers and herbs carries on the breeze as I walk along the path.

Movement catches my eyes, and I still, my gaze flicking up to the trees.

Perched on the highest branches, cloaked in darkness, is the familiar form of Thalric. His massive, stone-gray wings are folded against his back, his glowing golden eyes staring back at me.

He is as still as a statue save for the faint shift of his talons against the bark.

It doesn’t escape my notice that this particular tree is right outside of Aurora’s window. A slow grin spreads across my face, and I arch a brow. “Is this where you always sleep, Gargoyle?”

Thalric doesn’t move. Doesn’t blink. But his eyes narrow just enough to tell me he doesn’t appreciate my teasing. “Do you always talk this much, Fox?”

I huff a quiet laugh. “You wound me, my friend. I am excellent company.”

Thalric exhales through his nose, but I don’t miss the slight twitch of his lips.

Bracing my hands against the trunk, I climb up the tree and settle on the limb beside him. From up here, I have a clear view of the cottage below, including Aurora’s bedroom window, where she and Rapunzel are sleeping.

I glance at Thalric, my grin sharpening. “You do realize this tree is right outside Aurora’s window, right?”

His glowing eyes cut to mine, narrowing again, but this time, not in amusement.

“Coincidence,” he says flatly.

I hum, tapping a finger against my chin. “Of course. And I’m just here for the fresh air as well.”

Thalric crosses his arms, claws flexing against his biceps. “There is nothing between us, if that is what you are insinuating.”

“Nothing?” I tilt my head toward the window and then look back at him. “Because I’ve heard your kind are protective of their mates. And from what I’ve seen, I’d say you’re keeping a very close eye on her.”

Thalric’s jaw tightens, but he remains silent.

“So… is it possible that you and Aurora are—”

“No,” he states firmly, but I notice the slight twitch of his wings.

It seems I’ve struck a nerve. Clapping a hand on his shoulder, I tease. “You’d best make your move before someone else does.”

Thalric growls low in warning as his sharp talons dig into the branch. “It’s impossible,” he says in a low voice. “She is human and I’m a Gargoyle.”

“I knew it,” I murmur.

His glare darkens, but there’s no real malice in it.

“For what it’s worth,” I continue. “I understand, my friend. After all, I’m a Fox shifter, and Rapunzel is human. But that’s not stopping me. I still plan to make her my mate.”

Thalric’s expression shifts, surprise flickering in his gaze. “I had the impression you were already mates.”

“We aren’t.”

He gives me a questioning look.

“But we will be.”

His lips twitch again. “Bold of you.”

“Confidence is an attractive trait, or so I’m told.” I puff out my chest playfully.

Thalric’s stoic expression cracks as he snorts out a laugh.

But his amusement fades as he studies me.

He’s quiet for a long moment, gaze flicking back to the window where Rapunzel sleeps.

“Be careful, Ren,” he warns. “The Fae sisters are not easily shaken, but it is plain to see their worry when they discovered the truth of Rapunzel’s magic.

That type of power is coveted. The witch wants it back for herself, but if others found out about it, they would come for her as well. ”

A cold thread of determination runs through me. “I’ll end anyone who dares try to harm her,” I vow.

Thalric gives me a single nod. I’m sure he would do the same for Aurora.

“If you want my assessment,” he says. “I suspect Rapunzel returns your feelings.”

I grin, bolstered by his confidence. “I’ll be sure to invite you to our bonding ceremony, my friend.”

He purses his lips, but I notice the hint of amusement in his eyes as he watches me climb back down to the ground.

“And I’ll expect an invitation to yours as well,” I add.

Quietly, I slip back into the cottage. Pulling a quilt and a pillow from the sofa, I create a makeshift bed on the floor outside Rapunzel’s door. I’m tempted to shift into my Fox form, but my wounds are not completely healed.

I trust the Fae sisters, but I still worry after what they said about the Goblin witch and I’d rather be ready for anything.

It’s also comforting to know Thalric is still in the tree, watching over Aurora the same way I will always watch over my Rapunzel.